Many of us have vacationed in Martha’s Vineyard over the years. I personally spent time at this resort in the past and always made it a point to visit its infamous Black beach, the Inkwell. For those unable to travel to this resort, there was another Black beach much closer—Chicken Bone Beach in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
As summer came to an end, I found myself reflecting on some of the fun activities I enjoyed on beaches I visited during past summers. While lost in these thoughts, I received an email from a nephew living in Millsboro, Delaware. He shared an article from the Delaware News Journal by Andre Lamar titled, “How Racism Led James Brown, Other Stars to Delaware Concerts at a Famous Black Beach.” The article mentioned Black beaches beyond the Inkwell and Chicken Bone Beach, prompting my thoughts to recall a Nigerian proverb I often cite: “Until the lions have their own storytellers, the tale of the hunt shall favor the hunters.”
Today, I want to take you on a journey back in time to explore the Black beaches of “back in the day.” You may have little or no knowledge of these beaches due to the absence of our own storytellers. On August 4, 2022, Travel Coterie, in partnership with TripAdvisor, observed that “just two to three generations ago, prior to desegregation, Jim Crow laws made something as simple as a trip to the beach a difficult task for Black people in America. As desegregation unfolded, Black-founded beach destinations were often stolen, destroyed or written out of existence, leaving many to be forgotten. But the sandy shores are an important part of our collective American history—ones that are well worth a trip.”
Let me take you back in time to provide a clearer understanding of Black beaches of the past.
### What Were Black Beaches?
Based on information I have gathered over the years—from my ancestors as well as various internet sources—“Black beaches,” back in the day, refers to beaches and resort areas that were developed for and frequented by Black Americans during the era of segregation. These locations provided social, cultural, and recreational spaces that were often denied elsewhere.
My reference to Black beaches specifically relates to beaches and social resort facilities of the past that served Black people. As was often the case, we developed our own beaches and resort areas, which became vital centers for Black life and were often the result of the community’s entrepreneurial spirit.
### Notable Black Beaches Across the U.S.
Besides the Inkwell and Chicken Bone Beach, other famous Black beaches include:
– **American Beach, Florida**
Established in the 1930s by the Afro-American Life Insurance Company for its employees and the Black community.
– **Highland Beach, Maryland**
The oldest Black beach, founded in 1893. It became home to prominent Black figures like Paul Robeson, Booker T. Washington, and W.E.B. Du Bois. Located on Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay, Highland Beach was founded by Charles Douglass, son of Frederick Douglass, after he was refused admission to the all-white Bay Ridge Resort nearby. The home built for Frederick Douglass across the Chesapeake still stands today as a museum dedicated to his life and the history of the beach.
Highland Beach was incorporated in 1922, becoming Maryland’s first Black municipality, run by an all-volunteer governing board. It quickly became a popular retreat for Black families and notable figures such as Booker T. Washington and Langston Hughes. Today, access to the private beaches is limited to residents or those staying at vacation homes nearby.
– **Bruce’s Beach, California**
Created in 1912 by Charles and Willa Bruce to provide the Black community with beach access, though the land was later seized by the government.
– **The Inkwell Beach, Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts**
A significant gathering place for Black Americans since the late 1800s. The name originated as a derogatory term due to the skin color of the beachgoers but was later reclaimed as a symbol of pride.
– **Chicken Bone Beach, Atlantic City, New Jersey**
Located at Missouri Avenue and the Boardwalk, this beach was the designated Black section of the Atlantic City beachfront. The name derives from chicken bones found in the area. From around 1900 until integration, the area was known for its vibrant atmosphere and celebrity visitors.
### Other Black Beach Communities
There were other notable Black beaches as well:
– **Idlewild, Michigan**
Founded by white developers catering to Black vacationers from the Midwest. Established in 1915, it was known as “Black Eden” and “Black Las Vegas.” The resort attracted notable figures such as Madame C.J. Walker and W.E.B. Du Bois. Ownership was transferred to the Idlewild Lot Owners Association in 1921. Entertainers like Cab Calloway and Aretha Franklin performed here. However, as desegregation allowed Black travelers access to previously off-limits locations, Idlewild slowly declined. Efforts are ongoing to restore its former glory with the help of organizations like the Idlewild Historic and Cultural Center and the National Idlewilders Club.
– **Mosquito Beach, Charleston, South Carolina**
A mid-20th century gathering spot featuring a boardwalk, pavilion, restaurants, and music clubs catering to the Black community.
– **Sag Harbor, New York**
Recognized as one of the few Black-owned beachfront communities attracting Black vacationers.
Other Black beaches include:
– Lewis Beach, Delaware (now Johnnie Walker Beach)
– Rosedale Beach, Maryland
– Elktonia-Carr’s Beach, Maryland
– Sparrow’s Beach, Maryland
– Henry’s Beach, Maryland
– Atlantic Beach, South Carolina (the only historically Black-owned beach to have remained in Black hands since its founding in 1934)
– Virginia Key Beach Park, Florida
– Freeman Beach, North Carolina
– The Inkwell, Santa Monica, California
– Amelia Island, Florida
– Buckroe Beach, Virginia
– Gulfside Assembly, Mississippi
– Freeman Park, North Carolina
I suspect there are many more Black beaches beyond those named here. If you have knowledge of others, I invite you to share them with me.
### The Impact of Integration on Black Beaches
In previous columns, I have discussed how integration—despite being a vital and necessary goal—has negatively impacted the Black economic agenda. The rise and fall of Black beaches serve as evidence of how integration contributed to the decline of these vibrant Black-owned and operated spaces that once thrived.
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Alonzo Kittrels can be reached at backintheday@phillytrib.com or via mail to:
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*The views expressed in this column are not necessarily those of The Philadelphia Tribune.*
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